Letters - 22 August 2025
From walking cheerfully to Nicaea
Walking cheerfully
Twelve years ago I found myself planning a long distance walk from Leeds to Cornwall. Having become a member of the Society and attending Come-to-Good Meeting, this was partly to explore my own way into Quakerism. I also wanted to raise some money for Medical Aid for Palestine by being sponsored for the walk.
I wrote to several Meetings along my proposed route and asked whether any Friends were willing to offer me a bed for the night, together with my dog, Jem. I received a response that made my dream a reality. You know who you are – and I owe you all a debt. It took me a long time to finish the walk but eventually I ended it at St Anthony Lighthouse, at the mouth of the River Fal. Along the way many Friends trusted, welcomed and gave me supper, beds, friendship, and much Quakerly wisdom.
Eight years on, as a member of Huddersfield Meeting, I have learned so much more about our witness for truth, peace and justice. I feel sure that I was not the only Quaker arrested in Parliament Square on 9 August, along with over 500 other people protesting against an unjust law and asserting our right to do so on behalf of the Palestinian people.
I believe that in time Israel will also come to see that, in sending the message that we believe all the people living in what we used to call the Holy Land are equal and have equal rights, we are calling out to the best in them, answering that of God in them, too.
Heather Bacon
Is this true?
Tony D’Souza (8 August) invites us, when we hear or read something, to ask the question: Is this really true?
Of course, we Quakers are friends of the truth, whether or not there is such a commodity as the ultimate truth.
In practical terms I would prefer to ask the question: ‘How far is this true?’
There are few statements made that do not contain an element of truth. Truth may reside in the accuracy or otherwise of a figure or a fact stated; or it may reside in the deep feelings and emotions of the person giving utterance to them.
We must beware of labelling as untrue that which does not coincide with our own perceptions.
We are not forced to take sides as Tony suggests. Our stand for the truth is a determination to listen, to discern and to mediate in peace, emboldened by the spirit to recognise that of God in our neighbour.
Kenneth Bird
